A new online search tool employing state-of-the-art technology promises to make it easier and more engaging for patrons to find information in The University of Southern Mississippi Libraries.

The new web-based search engine, Encore, reveals content such as media and e-books, suggestions of recently added items by area of interest, tags or reviews added by library users, faceted search results for easily modifying queries, and pathways to relevant websites and library databases. Library patrons can access all this from a single, “Google-like” search box. The new catalog search method is available on library workstations and remotely at http://encore.lib.usm.edu/.

The new system is similar in look and feel to popular websites and helps make University Libraries a popular destination for the Southern Miss community’s information needs, said Carole Kiehl, dean of University Libraries.

“It provides highly sophisticated search results presented in a very simple way,” Kiehl said. “Users can easily move beyond the traditional online library catalog to a richer online discovery experience, without having to be an advanced user of an online library catalog.

“We believe it is extremely useful, whether in searching for one specific item or in-depth research materials.”

Encore will return items that are clearly listed by relevance and can be effortlessly expanded or refined according to publication date, specific library, language or subject as presented in a Tag Cloud. The Tag Cloud, found on websites like the Flickr photo-sharing service, helps users by presenting a grouping of words related to their searches that they can click on to launch new queries.

The Encore discovery services platform was developed by Innovative Interfaces, a California library technology company serving more than 4,500 public and academic libraries around the world. For more information about the new catalog, contact University Libraries at 601.266.4241.

About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities.In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world.Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the MississippiGulfCoast; further information is found at www.usm.edu. -30-